Hesketh Bank's West Lancashire Light Railway Trust has received a grant of £18,900 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the it recover and reopen.

Nearly £400 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including the railway in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.

The West Lancashire Light Railway Trust is a charitable Trust running a short 2ft gauge steam railway in the heart of Hesketh Bank. Operated entirely by volunteers, it's run for over 50 years; the last year impacted it hard, with very little income to cover the basic overheads.

It boasts a collection of historic steam locomotives, all over 100 years old, and has a proud record of high quality restoration and preservation of a collection of historic locomotives. And although the railway is still closed to the public, it hopes to reopen soon, welcoming back visitors old and new; new volunteers are also very welcome.

Mike Spall, Trust Chair said: “This funding means a great deal to us! 2020 was a very difficult year for us with nearly all our scheduled operating days cancelled due to the Covid-19 emergency. Like many heritage operations, our income, used to keep us operating, was lost overnight.

"It will ensure that we can reopen and welcome back our many visitors and friends. It will also allow our wonderful volunteers to return to the railway, maintaining friendships and wellbeing, and provide something positive for our community. Our sincere thanks to the Cultural Recovery Fund for this well-timed funding.

Ros Kerslake, CEO of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Spring is definitely here, bringing not only sunshine but that sense of optimism and hope for the future. We are all looking forward to heritage places and other visitor attractions reopening and I am very pleased that we have been able to support DCMS in delivering this vital funding to ensure the UK’s heritage sector can rebuild and thrive, boosting local economies, creating jobs and supporting personal wellbeing.”